Note by Webmaster

For the benefit of its successors the LDDC in 1997 published
these details of it's policies and strategy concerning the use of the
docks and other waters within its area for leisure and other purposes.
The strategy document was rich in pictures and while in converting it
for web use we have included as many of them as possible a few have been
omitted to reduce the loading time of the page. Likewise the large
maps have been separately processed - however they can easily be reached
by clicking the links below.

Large Maps

(Note: This LDDC Strategy document has been reproduced
by kind permission of the Commission for the New Towns now known as English
Partnerships. It is published for general interest and research purposes
only and may not be reproduced for other purposes except with the permission
of English Partnerships who now hold the copyright of LDDC publications)

Background

The 430 acres of enclosed docks and the River Thames
provide an outstanding opportunity for water-based activities within the
heart of the Capital. Whilst traditionally the docks and river have been
used for watersports including skiff racing and fishing - it is said that
rowing as an organised sport originated from competitions among watermen
in the 17th Century - the waters today are used by a wide variety of clubs
and watersports centres which host events and activities for wind powered,
paddle and motorised sports.

Since the LDDC’s inception, there has been a number
of consultants’ reports produced in relation to water use policy,
as well as a number of in-house policy papers. The most recent report,
which sought to pull together all aspects of water use policy, was the
Water Development Strategy prepared by Grant Thornton and submitted to
the LDDC Board in 1991. While the Board agreed the broad thrust of the
report, it did not approve the specific recommendations.

Since then, the Corporation has secured legislation (the
London Docklands Development Corporation Act 1994) to allow, inter alia,
the making of byelaws to regulate the dock estate. The byelaws have been
made and were confirmed in December 1996.

In preparing for the transition of the control of the
Royal Docks to the Royal Docks Management Authority at the Corporations
demise, the LDDC and RoDMA Boards have agreed a set of “Golden Rules”
for the management and licensing arrangements for the RoDMA water areas
(ref: A Strategy for Future Water Use, LDDC 1995). The Corporation has
also recently revised and reissued its Water Safety Policy which sets
out the LDDC’s established practices on water safety and defines
responsibilities.

This Strategy seeks to provide a context for these policy
documents and a framework for future decisions on the use and development
of the water for the Corporation, the Boroughs and succession authorities.
It has been the subject of a wide consultation exercise in the autumn
of 1996 (see Appendix 1) and in its final form reflects many points put
forward by those consulted who, in general, warmly welcomed the strategy.

1. Principal Water Uses

1.1 Location

The main water uses currently operating in each of the
docks were located there to take best advantage of the physical characteristics
of the dock. These vary from the small and irregularly shaped Shadwell
Basin to the 1mile long and linear Royal Albert Dock. They remain the
most rational allocation of dock space. Additionally, and on the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accident’s advice, incompatible activities
such as motor powered watersports and wind powered sports are separated
into self-contained water areas for safety reasons.

Any variation to this allocation, say for a one off event,
is conducted only with the agreement of the Harbourmaster and with the
appropriate permission (a license) from the relevant management authority.

Motorised watersports (water skiing and personal watercraft)
are located in the King George V Dock adjacent to the airport where the
noise generated does not interfere with residential amenity.

Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing are located within
Shadwell Basin, Millwall Outer Dock, Greenland Dock and the Royal Victoria
Dock. The different sizes and characteristics of these water areas offer
varying opportunities for these activities -Shadwell Basin at 7.5 acres
is more restricted in capacity and scope than the 83 acres of the Royal
Victoria Dock; it is widely used by novices/youths. The Royal Victoria
Dock offers more opportunity for the developing sailor, although all levels
can and do use the available docks.

Rowing and canoe racing are principally carried on in
the Royal Albert Dock and to a lesser extent Royal Victoria Dock where
there is sufficient length to allow for racing or practising. More competent
canoeists use the tidal waters of the Thames. Greenland Dock is also used
to hold an annual rowing regatta although as the Regatta Centre facilities
at the Royal Albert Dock develop, it may increasingly become the focus
for such activities.

Dragon Boat racing, which is similar to rowing in its
requirements, is principally undertaken at Millwall Outer Dock, and the
Royal Albert Dock, although Greenland Dock does host events and Shadwell
Basin is used more for participatory and fun events.

The River Thames is increasingly used for sailing, canoeing
and rowing by those centres which have good access. The tidal variation
and strong currents of this reach of the river make safety a paramount
consideration for river borne activities.

Fishing, which is well established in the western half
of Docklands, especially in Shadwell Basin, Greenland Dock and the West
India Docks, is also creeping back into the Royal Docks; it was successfully
reintroduced to the Albert Basin in 1994 and there are plans to extend
this as quay edge works are completed and the docks become more accessible.
The Thames is also fished extensively.

In terms of event programmes, this co-ordination has
traditionally been conducted through the Harbourmaster and the Docklands
Water Development Group - a forum for water users to meet on a quarterly
basis set up, administered and serviced by the Corporation. There is no
reason why this forum should cease post LDDC. It could and should he organised
on a Borough basis or through the managing agencies which succeed the
LDDC in looking after the docks after the Corporation is wound up.

Through
the Water Development Group, organisations produce a list of proposed
water events within the year/season. Once collated, the information provides
a clear indication of any clashes with regular water activities or with
other events which might have the effect of diluting attendance.

A more formalised version has been set up for the Royals
which is administered by the Harhourmaster on behalf of the Royal Docks
Management Authority (RoDMA). The ‘Diary of Water Events’
lists all planned usage of the water areas whether for an event or a boat
movement and represents a priority use which others must respect. It will
continue to be produced following the Corporation’s demise by RoDMA
and will be communicated to water users in the form of a notice and/or
possibly in the form of a booklet with advertisements and articles which
is self financing. It could even he profit making as is that produced
by Plymouth City Council.

The docks are of a size such that to date conflicts between
users operating on the same waters have been largely avoided. The Royal
Victoria Dock, for example, is used by the Royal Victoria Dock Watersports
Centre (RVDWC) and by Peter Chilvers Windsurfing without conflict. However,
with increasing usage of the water due to:

more sessions at the Centres (for e.g., RVDWC increased theirs overall
by over 15% in 94/95, and by 42% the previous year);

more operators (for e.g., London Sea School and Sea Cadets on the
RVD); and

the potential for conflicts is growing and will continue to do so in
the future.

There
will need to be an assessment of the capacity of the docks to accommodate
the increasing demands and a mechanism devised for the more popular water
areas to cater for it. This may be in the form of defined periods during
which users can undertake activities or specific areas on which these
activities can be undertaken, as at Poole Harbour and other coastal areas.
This would he implemented through the licences granted by the appropriate
management authority.

1.3 Events

Events are important to the use of the water. They can assist in:

a) increasing public awareness of watersports and recreation
facilities in Docklands;
b) promoting the use of those facilities and the water;
e) encouraging people to take up watersports; and
d) drawing people into Docklands to watch the events.

By increasing the use of the Centres, events play an
important part in the viability of the facilities. The Corporation has
supported events and activities on the water through a grant fund. There
has been a significant increase in the numbers of events, participants
and spectators in the last three years (for example, from 31 LDDC supported
events in 1993/94 to 49 in 1995/96).

As the Corporation gradually withdraws, the grants are
being tapered to encourage an increasing sponsorship from other sources
including local businesses. Organisations will need to increase their
links with the private sector to build on the events programme developed
with the assistance of the grant fund, either directly or through a partnership
scheme with the local authority

Boat Show - The development
of the Exhibition Centre (ExCeL) next to the Royal Victoria Dock provides
an exceptional opportunity to introduce major water related events to
the docks. The National Dinghy Exhibition is out-growing its current location
at Alexandra Palace and is a prime candidate, but the most exciting opportunity
lies in the scope for a boat show.

The idea of a boat show has been raised in the past but
the infrastructure has not been available. Neither the Boat Show at Earls
Court nor the National Dinghy and Board Sailing Exhibitions at Alexandra
Palace has access to a major body of water, and Southampton Boat Show,
which does, has no permanent covered exhibition space. The Royal Victoria
Dock
and ExCeL offer an exciting opportunity to stage a national boat show
with the added attraction of sailing competitions and boat handling opportunities.

Matchboat Racing - The
1994 RYA match racing finals were held in the Southampton Docks at the
same time as their boat show. The Royal Victoria Dock is an ideal venue
for such events; with the foot bridge air draft at 14 metres to bridge
soffit, the clearance is sufficient for the development of RYA match racing
competitions in the future.

Exotic Fleet Racing -
The most common and consistently televised series in Britain is the Ultra
30s Challenge, although 15ff skiffs and International 14s are also raced.
Although these craft would not achieve the limits of their potential in
the confines of the dock, races would be attractive because of the natural
theatre of the dock.

Team Racing - One of
the fastest growing trends in sailing sport, team racing is undertaken
by schools, universities and clubs. The Royal Victoria Dock provides a
superb venue for these events with the potential for a regional centre
for London and for national and, being close to London City Airport, even
international events. Additionally, the Royal Victoria Dock provides excellent
opportunities for spectators which have been limited at other venues.

1.4 Water Sports Centres

There are a four principal watersports centres operating
in the four main areas - Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre in Wapping,
the Surrey Docks Watersports Centre in Rotherhithe, the Docklands Sailing
and Watersports Centre in the Isle of Dogs and the Royal Victoria Dock
Watersports Centre in the Royals. The completion of the facilities at
Royal Albert Dock will provide a further centre in the Royals in the near
future (rowing, canoeing and dragon boating will be the principal activities).
There are also other water sports facilities throughout Docklands, although
these are either commercial or not publicly funded.

Traditionally, the four main Centres have been community
based operations, heavily subsidised by the local authority and seen by
them as primarily providing affordable watersports for local people. For
the most part, they still are.

By and large, they have sought support from grant making
organisations including the Corporation for equipment, sponsorship, training
etc but have been heavily dependent on the local authority especially
for revenue funding. Their focus, therefore, has been on continuing affordable
community provision rather than on laying the foundations for financial
self-sufficiency by expanding their clientele and activity base.

However, with a combination of increasing pressure on
local authority resources (LBN and LBTH have both reduced their grants),
continuing expectations from their principal funders to maintain low charges
and easy access to all sections of the community and the relatively high
costs in providing water sports activities (safety cover, craft depreciation
etc), the Centres are facing financial pressures and an uncertain future.

Continued provision for the local Docklands community
is important and must be maintained. However, centres must increasingly
look to cross-subsidising this provision by charging realistic prices
for those who can afford it and for those outside the area. Indeed, water
areas such as the Royal Victoria Dock and Albert Dock provide unparalleled
watersports opportunities within London and can be considered as a regional,
or even national asset. In other words, the Centres, while retaining their
service to the local community, must also move towards a more commercial
footing, identifying and attracting a wider clientele with attractive
facilities, a wide range of courses and activities for users, good equipment
and a good standard of service. This will inevitably change the nature
of the Centres, but is the key to their long term future at a time when
continued local authority funding, certainly at current levels, cannot
be guaranteed.

The Centres will need to consider the potential for income
generation of their landside facilities and to maximise it. Although the
buildings can be a significant liability if not properly managed, they
have the potential to generate income to subsidise the water activities
and secure the facility. For example, the watersports centre at Willen
Lake, Milton Keynes derives much of its income from landside uses and
this is used to support its water programme.

Besides commercial activities such as gym, bar, restaurant,
etc, the Centres will need to consider all options, including education.
The facilities are ideally placed, with the existing courses and training
programmes to establish links with local colleges and so offer a range
of training opportunities in leisure related subjects at NVQ or similar
level.

As the Corporation withdraws from the UDA it is important
that the watersports centres do not become polarised according to Borough
boundaries and engage in mutually destructive competition with each other.
Their future lies in providing complementary services which exploit the
facilities, staff skills and water areas to offer development opportunities
for water users at all levels of skill and experience.

2. Other Water Uses

As wide a variety of water uses as possible should be
encouraged, subject to constraints such as the shape of dock, London City
Airport and general management and safety requirements. This is contained
within the LDDC Act 1994 under the general duty provisions which, in relation
to the water, refers to the duty of securing a “diversity of purposes
which may include sporting, recreational, cultural, commercial, energy-related
and navigational purposes.”

2.1 Floating Restaurants, Pubs

Some docks (St Katharine’s, West India, Millwall
Inner and South Docks) have attracted floating restaurants and pubs and
others will do so as demand for such facilities grows, for example, at
Limehouse Basin. Such activity adds interest and colour to the dock edge
environment and provides income from mooring fees. In some docks, such
boats may be inappropriate; landside facilities, such as clubhouses, will
provide venues for eating and drinking and the boats could be perceived
as a hazard to novice water users.

In the Royals, these boats have not yet appeared because
of a lack of supporting population, restricted access to the dock sides,
the construction work and lock repairs.

In the medium to long term, however, there may well be
a demand linked to developments on the land including the Exhibition Centre
and Urban Village Phase II.

The most appropriate location for such vessels in terms
of watersports will be in areas of wind shadow or confused wind where
water activities will be limited. The Pontoon Dock is a good example.
Post development, the latter would provide a focus for moorings, offering
a sheltered location with a range of additional and supporting uses around
the dock. Such vessels would not be located where they adversely affect
local conditions for watersports or unduly restrict the amount of useable
water area for watersports.

2.2 Historic Vessels

The Corporation is currently, considering an initiative
which provides a visitor attraction of historic vessels in support of
the museum proposals. The vessels would be open to the public and the
Corporation’s successors would coordinate the management of the
moorings. The boats would create interest and activity on the dock edge
and enhance the waterside settings of adjacent buildings. They would also
provide an important education resource for local and visiting schools.

If the scheme proceeds, the Corporation would grant the
Trusts legal interests to moor the boats in West India Quay. The West
India Quay location would augment the development of the Museum of Docklands
proposal to site in the nineteenth century warehouses on the north quay.

There are other locations within the dock system which
may also be appropriate; generally, however, the location of historic
vessels should be linked to existing and planned tourist destinations
and where they minimise interference with activities on the water. St
Katharine Dock is already established as a location for historic vessels
and the smaller dock basins such as Limehouse Basin and the Pontoon Dock
have similar potential.

2.3 Visiting Ships and Moorings

In general, the demand for marina berthing in the South,
South-East and East Anglia exceeds supply. The demand from the population
of London is largely catered for but not satisfied by the south coast
marinas and those in southern East Anglia. These facilities are all some
50-70 miles, or up to 2.5 hours drive from the centre of London. There
are currently four marinas in London Docklands - St Katharine Haven, Limehouse
Basin, South Dock and the Gallions Point Marina in the Albert Basin. Further
marinas could be contemplated at the western end of the South Branch of
the West India Docks, the Millwall Inner Dock, Blackwall Basin and the
Pontoon Dock although the dock walls in some of these locations are in
different ownership.

Marinas are important as visitor attraction facilities
in themselves, and motor cruisers, which are likely to make up the hulk
of visiting boats, provide a suitable facility for businesses and other
entertainment uses. However, users expect good access to their berths
at most states of the tide. It appears that a one hour wait either side
of low tide is generally acceptable, but that two hours generally is not.
Although under-used at present, the Gallions Point Marina at the eastern
end of Docklands is likely to become increasingly popular exploiting the
motor cruiser trade from clubs located further up river.

Further quayside treatment in areas suitable for moorings
in the Royals should allow for power, water and sewage disposal connections
ashore.

Moorings for pleasure craft should be avoided in docks
which are primarily used for watersports, where they reduce the available
water areas for activities and could be a hazard to novice users. This
is particularly true of the Royal Victoria Dock where, in addition, a
strong easterly wind which is prevalent in the winter can cause considerable
damage to pontoons and boats moored along the southern edge of the docks.
Nevertheless, and depending on the length of vessel, the marinas in Docklands
provide approximately 600 berths for pleasure boats and small craft.

Parts of the docks should he considered as berthing for
winter lay overs for some of the larger yachts.. South Dock of the West
India Docks is an option. The location is attractive with good transport
connections to the City and West End and easy access to London City Airport,
Stanstead and other major airports.

There are, however, specific restrictions in the Royals
relating to the safeguarding of Airport operations. These limit the air
draft of vessels which can use the dock and moor within it during the
times the Airport is operational. Additionally, under “Notice to
Mariners” issued by the Harbourmaster, Radar operation for any visiting
ship is not permitted whilst the Airport is functioning.

The Strategic Planning Guidance for the River Thames
(GOL February 1997) advocates the provision of new and upgraded piers
to promote passenger transport on the river. The Inland Waterways Association
also see the need for more public piers to encourage the increased recreational
use of the Thames. The Corporation is currently responsible for two piers
within its area. Old piers are being refurbished as part of planning agreements
for adjacent development which improves the general level of provision
in the area. This policy will continue to be promoted.

With the development of the Exhibition Centre, it may
be feasible to establish a boat sale facility in Docklands, most probably
in the Royals or the West India Docks. Boats could be craned into the
dock for demonstrations. Enquiries have been received in the past but
so for none have come to fruition. There arc already chandlers and boat
repair facilities in the area.

2.4 Sub-Aqua

There are four clubs and one school operating in Docklands
with a combined membership of over one hundred although many more will
have passed through these organisations and not become members - about
250 divers have successfully completed the training at the Docklands Dive
Club in the past three years All of the clubs and schools are based around
swimming pools (e.g. St Georges, Seven Islands etc) where the basic training
is given. Trips are currently made to specialist inland centres such as
Gildenborough near Peterborough or the coast for further training and
for recreational purposes.

For inland sites, diving requires relatively clean, deep
water with good visibility. The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) and affiliated
clubs and schools have expressed considerable interest in the docks but
the poor visibility and substrate, together with other water uses, limit
the opportunities. Therefore, recreational diving in the docks has not
been encouraged, although diving to carry out inspections or for maintenance
and repair work of the dock infrastructure or vessels is commonplace.

This is, however, a sport which can and should be extended
into the challenging but stable conditions of the dock. In so doing, safety
is the major consideration and divers would need to operate (in teams)
in a clearly marked, buoyed off area with an effective back up system.
Diving clubs/schools would operate through nominated centres, where the
use of the water could be monitored and trained staff be on hand to assist
should any divers get into difficulties. The Harhourmaster would need
to be given notice prior to any dive.

As with all immersion sports, water quality is an important
consideration. Water in the docks is tested regularly against rigorous
standards which include compliance with physical and bacteriological limits.
Although failures periodically occur, usually because of algae growths
in the summer months, generally, the water quality is good and meets the
EC Bathing Water Directive 1976 on most counts. The most common failure
factor is water clarity.

The docks could provide a limited but rich resource for
training and recreation and a focus for the sport in London and the South
East. It would provide a pool of expertise to support the local underwater
service activities and, potentially, additional revenue for the nominated
centres.

2.5 Commercial Freight Activity

Although the docks are no longer used for commercial
freight, the waterborne transport of construction materials is a significant
use of the docks and the river which the Corporation supports. For example,
during the construction of Canary Wharf there were 10,000 barge movements
which avoided considerable numbers of lorry trips within London and the
Docklands area. For larger developments such as the Exhibition Centre
and for major works to the marine estate, the docks will see an increased
usage of this nature. Careful management will be needed to ensure that
watersports are able to operate safely when construction traffic uses
the dock; care will need to be taken that the watersports infrastructure
is not damaged in the process.

The river is still used for commercial freight although
numbers have declined significantly in the last 30 years. However, the
PLA forecast a doubling in trade for the Port of London by the year 2020
(ref: Strategic Planning Guidance for the River Thames, GOL February 1997).
With the development opportunities offered by the tidal Thames, recreational
and leisure use of the river will also increase.

3. Access to the Water

The Corporation is committed to securing public access
to the majority of the 55 miles of quaysides and to the riverside in Docklands
mainly through the provision of riverside and dockside walkways but also
through refurbished stairs and slipways. The duty to promote public access
to the waterside is a provision of the LDDC Act 1994. It is also a principal
objective of the Environment Agency (Recreation Strategy for the River
Thames -Space to Live Space to Play), included in the local authorities
UDP policies and in line with the Strategic Planning Guidance for the
River Thames (GOL February 1997).

These walkways provide opportunities for a range of passive
leisure activities such as walking, sitting, watching/spectating and,
more recently, eating and drinking at pubs and cafes in adjacent waterside
developments. They have also allowed more active pursuits such as cycling
and jogging and have been key to the growing numbers who fish the docks
and the river. Fishing has grown considerably in the last 10 years; the
accessibility to all the docks is improving and it is estimated that almost
10,000 anglers regularly fish the docks.

The Corporation has invested significantly in enhancement
of open spaces adjacent to the river and docks such as King Edward VII
Memorial Park, Sir John McDougall Gardens, the planned development of
the Thames Barrier Park and the Deards Site at the eastern end of MilIwall
Outer Dock. These provide a particularly important recreation resource.

Historically, access to both the docks and river was
restricted for reasons of security and safety. Limited access to the river,
however, was afforded by steps, stairs and other landing places often
at the end of narrow passages, such as Wapping Old Stairs, which are now
part of the area’s character and heritage. These were used by watermen
and lightermen; they also provide access to the foreshore which is important
for recreation, historical and ecological reasons. Many of the access
points are in a deteriorating state due to lack of maintenance and have
been temporarily closed. The Corporation has refurbished a number of steps
into the river and is grant aiding the refurbishment of four more such
stairs jointly with the owners. The Corporation has also refurbished Johnsons
Drawdock and created a slipway in the former Millwall outer dock Lock
entrance providing access to the river for sailing, canoeing, rowing and
other water activities operating independently, as part of a club or an
event. It has also undertaken the refurbishment of Newcastle Drawdock.
These locations are as important to those leaving the river as to those
accessing it. The PLA have produced a publication Access to the River
Thames - Port of London Review (May 1996) which provides a comprehensive
survey of landing facilities along the river from Teddington to Southend
and recommends the selective retention of access points where suitable
and the limited closure of others where not.

Access to the dock waters, however, is controlled. It
is provided through the various centres and organisations which are licensed
to use the water. The public thus have access to most of the docks and
can participate in a wide range of activities. Access is also provided
for recreational sailing and motor boating etc. using the marinas or mooring
facilities within the docks. Access is not, however, permitted for informal
recreation such as swimming or casual usage of watercraft. This is principally
on grounds of safety.

Swimming has been a significant problem in the docks
especially in hot weather when the dock waters become enticing. False
quays, turbidity, the depth of the water and consequent dramatic change
in temperature make the dock dangerous for swimming. Several deaths have
occurred. The Corporation has formulated bylaws, confirmed by the Secretary
of State in December 1996, making failure to comply with the prohibition
on swimming in the docks a criminal offence. Additionally, the Corporation
has produced a Water Safety Policy Statement 1996 which updates previous
guidance produced in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention
of Accidents (RoSPA). The Corporation, local authorities, police and the
watersports organisations are all working with the local schools in an
effort to educate children on the safe use of the docks. All waterside
developments and projects are expected to incorporate water safety measures
to the appropriate standards.

Casual
uncontrolled use of the docks for such sports as sailing, boardsailing
and canoeing is discouraged principally for safety reasons. Casual users
are allowed to launch their craft only at, and through, Water Sports Centres
where the use can be monitored and supervised by experienced staff. Additionally,
the fees charged also go to the Centre as an additional source of revenue.

Riverside or dockside walkways will be open to the public
at all times without restriction unless public safety issues suggest otherwise.
An agreement to limited closure will only be considered if an alternative
and convenient route is available to the public.

Swimming will only he considered with the express consent
of the Harbourmaster and if stringent safety measures are applied. An
example is the swim section of the Triathlon where divers and safety staff
monitor and stay close to competitors.

4.
Nature Conservation

The varied and large areas of water in London Docklands
provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife. The Corporation’s
policy towards the ecology of the docks has been to protect and enhance
this unique environment and to capitalise on the good health of the dock
waters by attracting increasing numbers of waterfowl. In 1993 the LDDC
launched 12 experimental tern rafts designed by the RSPB (a further sponsored
raft was launched in May 1996). They have been particularly successful
with four pairs of Common Terns, with the breeding in 1994 doubling to
eight in 1995. The target is to establish a colony of breeding Common
Terns (ie. 20-30 pairs).

The nesting rafts are located at places which minimise
conflict with water sports, recreational activities, navigation and London
City Airport. Three of the rafts are in East India Dock Basin and their
success has helped secure the future use of that Dock as a Bird Sanctuary
and Ecology Park. The Basin, whilst connected to the River Thames, is
at the mouth of the Lea and is a location on the migratory route of many
birds (see Policy, East India Dock, Leamouth, on page 22).

The Corporation has backed up its bird initiative with
an education programme and has successfully secured sponsorship from Texaco
of a bird education pack and an interpretation panel. The pack has been
distributed to many local schools. The scope for this type of sponsorship
and educational work is huge and will be developed. Education is an essential
component of the Corporations nature conservation programme and the provision
of information and interpretive material about the natural habitat will
be encouraged.

In pursuing this programme the Corporation has relied
on the expertise of a range of bodies and currently bird activity is monitored
throughout the year. Arrangements will be made for these partnerships
and expertise to continue through sponsorship after the demise of the
LDDC and so ensure the future ecological health and development of the
dock areas. It is important to continue to promote the role of water areas
in increasing biodiversity in Docklands, thereby contributing to the wider
programme supported by the DoE following the Rio “Earth Summit”
in 1992 and embodied in Agenda 21.

As part of the wider strategy for biodiversity consideration
will be given to projects to diversify the fish culture and the creation
of a wide variety of habitats through planting and quay edge treatment
to encourage wildlife.

The Corporation has worked closely with the Boroughs,
leading environmental and ecology organisations and major companies in
developing initiatives in this field. It can also work with the watersports
organisations; non motorised watersports and wildlife are not incompatible
partners and successfully live side by side on many rivers and inland
waterways.

5.
Development

5.1 Build Out

The scale and grandeur of the remaining waterscapes are
unique. There may be regeneration benefits to be secured by allowing developments
to extend out over the dock water but these need to be carefully balanced
against the need to preserve these waterscapes for sports and recreational
use in its existing or developing form. There are so few opportunities
within the Capital that the quality of the existing resource is significant
to sports provision.

Encroachment into the foreshore of the River Thames will
be resisted by the Environment Agency: Thames Region, Government Office
for London and the PLA because of the consequences for habitat deterioration
and changes of water level. The Corporation, in considering such applications,
has sought to ensure that there is a proper balance between the needs
of site development and those of the water users.

Where build-out has been permitted, generally the Corporation
has preferred piling to dock filling. The piling allows water to move,
maintaining deep water movements and currents and limiting any adverse
effects on water activities.

5.2 Bridges

In considering future bridge proposals for a water area which is currently,
or could be, used for water activities, an assessment will be undertaken
which examines the following:

bridge height - what activities will be precluded/limited

span/supports - ditto

effect on the wind (aerodynamics)

activities - existing and potential

opening or fixed bridge

safety - how easy is it to jump off the bridge

Generally, the higher the bridge soffit above the water
(air draft) and the fewer the number of supports in the water, the smaller
the impact on water activities, Opening sections either in the main bridge
section or to one side will allow the passage of craft but, depending
on the opening width, will not allow sailing activities. Additionally,
the provision of opening sections within the bridge may increase the size
of structural members required; generally the larger the members the greater
the impact on air flow around the bridge and thus the possible adverse
effect on sailing activities. The greater the height of the bridge the
smaller the likely negative effects, such as turbulence, which might affect
sailing on the dock.

5.3
Development Effects: Wind

Wind interacts with buildings to create wind shadows,
turbulence, shear, jets of faster air or vortices. It also reacts with
the type of surface it is travelling over, for example a rougher surface
produces more turbulence but slower wind speeds.

Development adjacent to water areas which can be used
for sports and recreation will be designed to limit the worst effects
of the building(s) on wind conditions on the dock. This will vary, depending
on the principal use of the dock. For instance, sailing and windsurfing
require a ‘clean’ wind, that is, not confused’, and
would benefit from the tiering of development away from the waters edge
which encourages the wind. An example is the Urban Village Phase 1. In
some cases the tiering of a building can even improve wind conditions
on the dock and, on larger developments, provide terraces for watching
water borne events.

Rowing and canoeing, on the other hand, benefit from
more sheltered waters although for competition courses, a consistency
of conditions across the lanes is most important.

In any waterside development, the Corporation has placed
the onus on the developer to demonstrate that the proposals do not adversely
affect or preclude water based activities.

6. Designation - Future Management

In 1990, the Corporation set up the Royal Docks Management
Authority (R0DMA), a private non-profit making company, to manage and
maintain the water areas and associated engineering infrastructure in
the Royal Docks. The company has been granted a 225 year lease by the
LDDC to undertake its role into the long term. It is funded via a service
charge on land owners within the RoDMA service charge area.

RoDMA has explicit responsibilities to maintain public
access to the water areas, and the detailed policies describing how it
does this will be put in place prior to dedesignation. The main responsibility
of RoDMA in respect of water use at present is the issuing of licenses
for the use of the water areas to all the water users within the terms
laid out in the “Golden Rules” document. These will vary depending
on the scale of the operation and the investment of the organisation in
the landside facility. The Water Events Diary, which addresses the day
to day management of the water areas, has recently been initiated and
the standard terms of the water licence issued by RoDMA have been changed
accordingly.

Although fundamental to the use of the water areas, RoDMA
has no direct responsibility towards the watersports centres themselves
because RoDMA’s control is limited to the water. It does, however,
have legal responsibilities to the jetski operators and one other as landlord.
Additionally, the majority of the facilities fall within the service charge
area from which RoDMA will derive much of its income.

Greenland Dock and South Dock, part of the dock estate
in the London Borough of Southwark were passed into the ownership of Southwark
Council on the 20th December 1996. The remaining water areas were transferred
on the 31st March 1997.

The Corporation dedesignated from Wapping on the 31st
January 1997, passing its responsibilities on to Tower Hamlets Council.
It will not, however, be transferring responsibility of part of the dock
estate - the canals - until the completion of the Wapping borehole project
which will provide a supply of fresh groundwater to the canals. The Shadwell
Basin Project has been granted a lease and licence for the landside site
and dock water under the terms of which they are responsible for the day
to day management of both including the aeration of the water to maintain
its quality. Funding to cover the maintenance costs has been made available
in a charitable fund.

British Waterways will be succeeding the Corporation
as owner of the West India and Millwall Dock estate with effect from the
autumn of 1997. They will be inheriting the LDDC powers and duties under
the 1994 Act.

7. Policies

Royal Docks

Royal Victoria Dock

1. The location, scale and position of this dock make
it one of the best sites in London for sailing and windsurfing and unique
in East London. It represents the peak of a hierarchy as far as sailing
and general watersports progression/teaching is concerned. “It offers
the only site of sufficient size on which to run realistic competitive
dinghy and windsurfing events, and extend those day boat sailors, in supervised
conditions, who aspire to use the tidal waters” Alix Cowie, RVD
Water Use Study 1994.

The Corporation has agreed to a 50 metre build-out along
the north quay of the eastern half of the dock in connection with the
Exhibition Centre. Further significant intrusion into the water and erosion
of visible water space will be resisted whether by build-out, moorings
or infrastructure other than in connection with the Watersports Centre
and the active use of the water.

2. The Corporation has indicated its support for proposals
to develop a permanent watersports centre for non-powered craft at the
western end of the dock and a willingness to contribute substantially
towards the capital cost. This provides the best location in relation
to the prevailing winds and the widest part of the dock for novices and
children to develop their sailing skills.

3. Powered watersports or recreational activities will
be precluded from the dock for safety reasons. This general policy should
not, however, preclude one-off events such as a Power Boat Grand Prix
or Motorboat Event connected with the Exhibition Centre.

4. Demonstrations or events connected with the use of
the Exhibition Centre will generally he confined to the dock area east
of the new Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge unless otherwise agreed with
RoDMA and the water users. This will he reflected in the licenses for
use of the water.

5. Moorings at the western end of the Royal Victoria
Dock would reduce the available area of water for sailing and may be perceived
as a hazard by novice water users from the watersports centre. In extreme
weather conditions (winter storms) craft on fixed moorings and access
pontoons could be severely damaged, particularly in the south west corner
during easterly gales.

There is a general presumption against permanent moorings
at the western end of the Royal Victoria Dock. Moorings connected with
the Urban Village will he designed to minimise incursion into recreational
water areas and minimise hazard to novice water users. The numbers of
moorings will he minimised and limited in number to 25; the design must
take account of severe conditions during bad weather.

Pontoon Dock

1. The Pontoon Dock can offer a protected mooring area
and will be developed, in the long term, as a focus for boat ownership,
especially amongst those residents of the Urban Village and possibly also
for other boating organisations. By its very location, it offers a safe
haven throughout the year and, following the redevelopment of the area,
a secure environment.

2. The strategic urban framework plans for the area indicate
an aspiration for a pedestrian bridge at the neck of the Pontoon Dock.
Any bridge in this location will allow for the passage of motor cruisers
and sailing boats to protected moorings within the dock. Rowing boats
and canoes will be able to navigate from the Pontoon Dock to the Royal
Victoria Dock without opening a section of the bridge.

Royal Albert Dock

1. The Corporation is continuing to work closely with
the Royal Albert Dock Trust (RADT) to develop the 2000 metre rowing and
canoeing course by extending the current facility into the Royal Albert
Dock Basin. This will provide a course of international and Olympic standards,
the only one in the south of England, and provide a focus for watersports
provision in the Royal Docks and London. This facility will provide a
focal point for local clubs and clubs within the South-East to train,
run events and hold competitions. In December 1996 the RADT received a
significant award from the Sports Lottery Fund to extend the course and
develop the facilities to service it; the LDDC is providing the match
funding for the works to the course.

2. The infrastructure to support the course, namely:

a clubhouse
a boathouse
start and finishing installations
a pedestrian walkway running parallel to the course used for coaching
supervision and for spectators

is close to implementation. The clubhouse and boathouse are both due
to start on site in summer of 1997.

3. The course is currently used for rowing, canoeing
and dragon boating. The dock is also used for the transit of vessels through
to the Royal Victoria Dock.

4. The new developments on the land to the north of the
Royal Albert Dock will need to be designed to have the minimum adverse
effect on the rowing course. Consistent wind and water conditions across
all lanes are important to the competitiveness of an international rowing
course.

5. For safety reasons access to the water will be restricted
to one point of embarkation. There has to be a strict circulation pattern
because the principal sport is undertaken facing backwards.

6. It is essential that the LDDC/RoDMA reserve the occasional
right of passage for large vessels travelling to and from the Royal Victoria
Dock via the Albert Dock upon reasonable notice.

Albert Dock Basin

1. The Albert Basin is ideally suited in size and location
adjacent to the River Thames to he a marina. The small ship lock which
links the Basin directly to the Thames is adequate for motor cruisers
either using the facility on a club basis or visiting from up river or
around the coast.

The
success of a marina will be influenced by the development surrounding
the Basin. The western extent of the marina will be limited by the proposed
new bridge (replacing the old swing bridge) and the boundary of the London
City Airport Public Safety Zone (PSZ). The latter encroaches into the
south-west corner of the Basin and restricts the use of those areas within
the PSZ boundary. The boundaries of the Public Safety Zones are currently
under review.

The Corporation will continue to promote the Basin as
an attractive location for a permanent facility and maintain the policy
of providing short term licences until a more permanent commitment is
forthcoming.

2. Fishing on the north quay will continue to be encouraged
from agreed dockside areas. The provision of safety railings will allow
access to the water for anglers consonant with RoSPA’s advice

King George V Dock

1. The KGV Dock will continue to be the location for
motor powered watersports. The current uses of water skiing and personal
watercraft take up two-thirds and one-third of the dock respectively.

2. The Corporation has contributed towards the cost of
refitting a barge from which the PWC Club can operate - the Tereza Joanne.
This has been leased to the club; it is owned by RoDMA.

3. The waterski operation has been temporarily closed
and relocated to enable works to the dolphins to be completed. It is intended
to provide a new centre on the south quay, incorporating club facilities,
showers, changing rooms, storage and car parking. This facility should
be flexible in its design and be capable of accommodating both the waterski
and PWC operations if required. Skiers will need to walk between the clubhouse
and the pick-up points on the water (between dolphins 4 and 5).

4. This dock will also be available for model powerboat
racing and practice subject to this activity causing no interference with
the Airports radio and navigational equipment. The overall dock meets
the minimum space requirements (no less than 210m in length, 80m in width)
and is not noise sensitive. There are pontoons available at both existing
watersports facilities and car parking (for up to 60 spaces) also. The
current Personal Watercraft operator has expressed an interest in accommodating
this activity.5. Fishing will generally be precluded for safety reasons.
However, fishing will be considered in the water area between the dolphins
and the quay where the water is not actively used.

East India Dock/Leamouth

1. East India Dock Basin has been identified as the principal bird sanctuary
in Docklands and will continue to be developed as such along the following
lines:

a)
For the visitor, the area has been made safe for public access through
the provision of walkways, ramps, and steps. Facilities will be provided
to enable the observation of birds without disturbance. With the advice
of English Heritage, the listed lock artefacts have been restored. East
India Dock will become a destination along a number of footpaths which
link in to the wider pedestrian network although access will be restricted
between dusk and dawn.

b) For the wildlife, the Corporation will
provide a range of habitats which will encourage birds, aquatic life,
etc to live, feed and breed in the area. Such habitats will include a
kingfisher bank, reedbeds and shingle islands.

2. Fishing will not be permitted at East India Dock Bird
Sanctuary. The treatment of the waters edge would be in conflict with
this activity. Also, past experience at Lavender Pond has shown the two
uses to be incompatible.

River Lea/Bow Creek

1. In 1995 the LDDC and the NRA undertook a joint project
to plant a stretch of river bank with reeds to assist in filtration and
cleaning of the Lea. This is currently being monitored. Depending on results,
further planting will be undertaken although such opportunities do not
arise in the main tideway.

2. Public access to the banks of the River Lea will be
encouraged.

3. Bow Creek has been developed primarily as a plant
sanctuary with emphasis on water plants and those species which have evolved
as a result of past trading activities. The site will be a wardened park
open to the public which seeks to educate visitors.

4. The Corporation will continue to develop the range
of demonstration habitats and this has been assisted by the installation
of a wind driven water pump.

Poplar Dock

1. Poplar Dock East provides an attractive waterside
setting for proposed development to the east of Trafalgar Way and existing
residential development to the south. The Corporation is currently building
a hard ramp boat access in a former cut to improve access to the water.
In addition, a berm is also being created which will improve the habitat,
by forming shallows, for fish and other acquatic life to breed in.

2. Fishing will be permitted in the dock subject to any
development restrictions.

Blackwall
Basin

1. This basin provides access to Poplar Dock and a waterside
setting for existing and proposed developments. It is an attractive location
for a sheltered moorings and small boat usage or even a marina development
within the West India Dock system.

West India Docks

1. South Branch of the West India Docks will remain
the principal location for deep water moorings thus allowing large ships
and naval vessels to visit Docklands easily. These large ships are an
attraction in their own right; they also provide a link back to the docks’
past.

2. South Branch will continue to be used for watersports
linked to the landside facility operated by the Docklands Scout Project
and the Sea Cadets.

With
the growing pool of spectators and participants provided by the surrounding
offices, the West India Dock system will be increasingly used for one-off
events linked to specific occasions such as the Sea Food Fair or corporate
promotions. There is also scope for lunchtime activities such as sailing
as a recreational option specifically aimed at the local office population.

The Corporation will consider the provision of appropriate
facilities to service this opportunity.

3. The provision of bird rafts will be best sited in
the western part of the dock away from the major water activity areas.

4. In the long term, the South Branch may be an ideal
location for the winter lay-over of large yachts in the heart of the capital
and within easy reach of the West End and City Airport. This should not,
however, be at the expense of watersports activities on the dock. The
Corporation will undertake research into the opportunities for this.

MilIwall Dock - Inner

1. This dock will continue to be an area supporting
the more passive water recreation pursuits; a location and centre for
floating restaurants and pubs and an attractive area to walk around at
lunch time or in the evening.

2. This will not preclude the occasional use of the dock
for motor cruiser regattas offering those involved a convenient location
with significant local facilities.

3. The bird rafts moored in the centre of the dock have
been successful and will continue to be located in this area.

MiIIwalI Dock - Outer

1. This dock will remain the principal water area for
the sailing centre. Powered watercraft will be precluded from the dock
for reasons of safety and residential amenity except for safety boats
operating from the sailing centre or vessels under the control of the
Harbourmaster. This will not, however, preclude the use of the dock for
one off events.

2. The limited size of the dock will preclude the use
of the water by another organisation except through the sailing centre.

3. Fishing will be a secondary activity within the dock;
the relative narrowness of the water area and nature of the water sports
activities may be in conflict with the anglers.

Limehouse Basin

1. The Basin, which is owned by British Waterways, is
the gateway to England’s canals and provides a vital staging point
for cruising on London’s canals, the River Lea and Stort navigations
via Limehouse Cut and the Thames. The marina, which is managed by the
Cruising Association, is now established and provides an important additional
facility for narrow boats, inland waterways craft and yachts in Docklands.

2. The Basin is an important recreational resource at
the junction of a number of footpaths and increasingly provides a focus
for development on surrounding land. It will become a visitor destination
in its own right centred on the use of the water by canal and small cruising
boats and associated activities.

3. There is limited fishing in the Basin itself although
the adjoining canals and River Thames are actively used. British Waterways
will review its policy as the marina becomes more popular.

Shadwell Basin

1. Shadwell Basin will continue to be used for non-powered
watersports, offering a sheltered location for the teaching of novices
and youths in the relative safety of the Dock. For the more experienced,
the tidal waters of the Thames provide progression within the area; the
larger docks in the Royals and to a lesser extent the Isle of Dogs, provide
opportunities for further development in supervised conditions.

2. The docks will also continue to be used for fishing.
It is currently the operational base for the Shadwell Angling and Preservation
Society. The monitoring and maintenance of water quality will become the
responsibility of the East London Marine Venture.

Hermitage Basin

1. The refurbished dock basin will provide a waterside
setting for surrounding residential development to which the public will
have access.

2. The basin has been planted with several types of lily
and water hawthorn and stocked with a variety of fish. It will be fed
by water run off from surrounding development. Fishing will not be permitted.

Surrey Docks

South
Dock

1. South Dock will continue to be a location for Docklands
largest marina with overspill into Greenland Dock. The lock has a wide
tidal window and river moorings allowing good accessibility to the Marina.
The lock also allows access to the river for sailing centre craft via
South Dock. This is an important facility for the centre.

Greenland Dock

1. This dock will remain the principal water area for
the purpose built Surrey Docks Watersports Centre. The beach, which was
originally installed and recently resurfaced by the LDDC, will continue
to provide a facility for novice water users from which to launch/land
craft.

2. The principal use is shared with the overspill berthing
from the Marina and fishing; Greenland Dock provides one of the main fishing
areas in the Surrey Docks.

3. Powered watersports are excluded from the Dock. However,
this general policy will not preclude ‘one off” events.

Canada Water

1. The LDDC have restored the freshwater habitat of
the dock by installing a low speed wind turbine to draw up ground water
and created a wetland and wildfowl nesting island. The water area will
continue to provide a unique freshwater resource contributing to the wide
range of habitats in Docklands.

2. Fishing will be reviewed in the light of its current status as a wildlife
habitat.

Surrey
Water

1. The dock will continue to provide a focus for the
amenity of residential uses surrounding the water.

2. The historical designation of this area as suitable
for model power boating is no longer appropriate. Although silenced, the
boats are relatively noisy and would conflict with the residential character
of the area. Also, the configuration of the water space precludes racing
to the standards laid down by the National Circuit Racing Association
for model craft. The use of the water for non-powered model craft, however,
would be acceptable.

3. The pontoon, which has attracted misuse and vandalism,
has been removed from the dock. The future use of the pontoon will be
investigated.

Lavender
Pond

Lavender Pond remains one of the most successful and
important ecology sites in the Surrey Docks and is home to many waterfowl
and aquatic plants and creatures. This water area, together with the interpretative
facilities based at the adjoining pumphouse, will continue to be used
as a recreational and educational resource.

Consultees

London Borough of Tower Hamlets
London Borough of Southwark
London Borough of Newham
British Waterways
Environment Agency
Port of London Authority
English Sports Council
River Thames Society
Royal Yachting Association
British Canoe Union
British Sub-Aqua Club
British Water Ski Federation
Amateur Rowing Association
Inland Waterways Association
London Rivers Authority
Lea Valley Regional Park Authority
British Dragon Boat Association
Federation of Anglers in London and The SE
London City Airport
Civil Aviation Authority
Docklands Forum
Peter Chilvers Windsurfing

Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre
Docklands Watersports Club
London Docklands Regatta
London Docklands Angling Consortium
Docklands Scout Project
London Sea School
National Anglers Council
Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club
Royal Docks Waterski Club
Royal Victoria Dock Watersports Centre
Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre
Surrey Docks Watersports Centre
Government Office for London
Sea Cadets
English Nature
London Ecology Unit
Thames Estuary Project
Royal Docks Consultative Group
Wapping River Police
Association of Island Communities
National Lottery Directorate

Completion Booklets

Annual Reports and Accounts

As with most organisations the Annual Reports and Accounts of the LDDDC are a good source of chronological information about the work of the Corporation and how it spent its money. Altogether these reports contain more than 1000 pages of information. These have been scanned and reproduced as zip files on our Annual Reports and Accounts page